Scholarship Audition

Rules and Regulations

I. Location And DateThe 2018/19 ARTIST Music Academy Scholarship Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 18 at Artist Music Center of White Marsh (beginning at 2pm). Video applications may also be submitted (applicants can make an appointment to record their audition at ARTIST Music of White Marsh).

II. EligibilityAll applicants must meet the following criteria:A. Applicant must be a currently registered private music student at ARTIST Music Academy.B. Applicant must be at least four (4) years of age or older at the time of the audition.C. Family members of ARTIST Music staff/teachers are ineligible and may not audition.D. Online registration and payment of $25 application fee must be completed by Wednesday, Aug. 15th, 2018.E. First-prize cannot be awarded to the same student 2 years in a row. First-prize winners from the previous year who apply will receive an evaluation only.

III. Repertoire RequirementsRepertoire must meet the following standards:A. 2 (two) contrasting pieces must be performed.B. Total duration for beginning to late intermediate is 4 minutes or less. Total duration for advanced students is 8 minutes or less. The judge(s) may ask any performer who exceeds the time limit to stop.

IV. AdjudicationOne (1) or more independent judge(s) will oversee the scholarship auditions (number of judges will depend on number of participants. Comments will be given to all who audition. Overall quality of the performance will be a greater factor than how advanced the performer is. Participants will be judged on the following criteria:A. Stage presence (appropriate attire, bow/curtsy, eye contact, smile, etc.).B. Accuracy of performance (correct notes, rhythm, expression marks, etc.).C. Musicianship (confidence and expression beyond correct playing).D. Memorization (not required, but more points may be awarded to memorized performances).E. Overall Impression of musical potential.

VI. Award Distribution RulesA. Scholarship awards carry discount value only and are not redeemable for cash.B.Scholarship awards may be applied toward monthly or annual plan lessons only. B. Winning students must remain in continuous lessons to receive the award. Winning students who discontinue* for any period of time will forfeit any remaining award amount.

*Discontinuation is defined as skipping payment during any month of the year, including non-payment for lessons missed.

Prof. Christopher Dillon, this year's audition judge, congratulates all the students for their hard work.He was very impressed by the talent and he saw in the students and told us choosing the winners was not an easy task!

2017/18 scholarship recipients are:​​

1st PrizeAndy Wang​, piano

2nd PrizeNicholas Tietje, piano

​3rd PrizeMichael Marder, pianoNicole Marutyan, violin

2017 Judge (2018 Judge TBD)

Christopher Dillon debuted with the San Luis Obispo County Symphony at the age of 17. He pursued his education at the Eastman School of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory, and the Peabody Institute. While at Peabody, he studied with Julian Martin, Ellen Mack, and Robert McDonald. Dillon obtained his Doctorate in Music at Peabody Conservatory in 2002.

In addition to teaching at the Peabody Conservatory from 1999 to 2003, he has been teaching theory, piano and ear training at Towson University since 2003. Dr. Dillon is currently Lecturer in Piano and Theory at Towson University.

Dr. Dillon has served as an adjudicator for several competitions, including the International Young Artist Piano Competition held in Towson, and for the Young Artist Piano Competition held at Texas State University San Marcos.​Dr. Dillon’s research interests include works of J. S. Bach (including a complete performance of J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Volume 2, performed from memory) and Alexander Scriabin. His efforts in that area have included a recital of five Scriabin sonatas, and a lecture-recital on synaesthesia in Scriabin’s late works.